One Africa Music Fest New York 2018: The Highs and Lows

Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn, NY was lit all the way on Saturday August 11th 2018. That was the venue for this year's One Africa Music Fest, an event were Africans gather gather as one entity to enjoy authentic African music. The event showcases emerging, popular and established musical artists just like Coachella. Let's just call it the African 'Coachella' basically, okay?

This was my first time attending this event since it started a few years ago and I was quite impressed. The 5000 capacity was filled up. I mean it was packed with beautiful people representing their various backgrounds from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, even those from the Caribbeans and some Caucasians as well. It was maaaaaaaaad fun out there. 

The show was hosted by one of Nigeria's finest, Banky W aka Mr Capable. 

Banky W

He did a very decent job just say. At some point he kinda threw me off when he started talking about everyone getting their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) to ensure that we put the right government in charge. I thought it was only Nigeria that is clamoring for people to exercise their right to vote. Did he forget that he was in NY?  or do Nigerians have the opportunity to vote in the US?  or did he forget that he is hosting a gathering that made up of various people from different countries? Talk about doing the right thing at the wrong time.

Well, the artistes that performed were Dencia (Cameroon), Betty G. (Ethiopia),  Seyi Shay (Nigeria), Eddy Kenzo (Uganda), Niniola (Nigeria), Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), DJ Spinall (Nigeria), Kranium (Jamaica), Flavour (Nigeria), Sarkodie (Ghana), Wande Coal (Nigeria) and last but definitely not the least, Wizkid (Nigeria). They were all amazing and have the crowd their all.

The show was supposed to start at 7 pm. I was there like 6:45-ish, strolled down a few blocks to get some Nathan's, ate and strolled back to the venue at about 7:47-ish and got in. The arena was lit all ready! 

Not so good a video but this is just for you to get the feeling *wink* Now down to the business...The high and low moments.

The low moments...

Dencia

Dencia 

She is quite talented but she showed a little bit of nervousness as the crowd were not connecting to her music. She even tried to encourage (she was practically begging) the crowd and mentioned that it was her first time performing in NY. I felt awkward for her because I knew nothing about her song. If I had known she was going to be there I would have researched her songs (but it's not about me). She did her thing on the stage while the crowd stood (and sat) there watching her dance moves. Check her out here.

Betty G

Betty G

A beautiful and talented singer. She performed songs that I know I would love more if I had known her prior. Most of the audience did not connect. A some point she did this Ethiopian dance (Eskista) which is done by shaking your shoulders rhythmically. It's beautiful! Check out her songs here, here and here.

Cassper Nyovest

Cassper Nyovest

I hate myself for putting him in this category because he is a VERY dope rapper. In fact, I love his music, his dance moves, his smile, his everything. I listened to his last album (Thuto) and I enjoyed every single track (Touch the sky and Tito Mboweni were my faves). Only a few in the crowd (including me) could connect to his performance. He even showed the crowd how to respond to 'Tito Mboweni'. I went crazy when the song came up and was doing the 'sha sha' move every time during the chorus. I loved his performance but it wasn't electrifying compared to what I've seen...online.



Neutral moments...

Eddy Kenzo

Eddy Kenzo

'Sitya loss' was a big hit with the crowd. For his other performance everyone just looked and maybe admired his energy and dance moves. Check him out here.


Niniola

Niniola 

She looked stunning in her short shorts paired with the sequin bustier top (which is becoming her signature look). She strutted her stuff in pencil heels performing her hits from 'Magun', 'Sicker' and 'Maradona'. She had a presence but most of the audience weren't connecting. She had a duet with Eddy Kenzo where he seemed rather focused on her voluptuous 'backside'. It got awkward when they both fell to the ground with Eddy underneath her. I felt like screaming "get a room you two!" but how dare me?


Seyi Shay

Seyi Shay

(I guess) she performed her hit songs and was feisty (in a good way) while doing her thing. A good performer but she seemed focused on those standing in front of the stage and those of us at the back were in the struggle bud trying to feel among and enjoy what she served in the stage. She's stunning to behold though. Check out her work here.


The highs...


DJ Spinall

DJ Spinall

He controlled the crowd with the chart topping hits across Africa. No one was left out.  Every single person grooved to his mixes...even the two white people seated close to me went wild...with joy? Check out his work here. 


Sakordie

Sarkodie 

I mean! My crush of life! He recently got married to his longtime lady. Congrats to them! I even doubted he would make it for the show because I thought he would be somewhere far away 'honeymoon-ing' with his bride. I was so wrong. The whole crowd shook when he appeared on stage. He reminded the crowd why he's one of the greatest rappers in Africa. I was screaming and singing his songs all at the same time. He performed his hits which includes 'Painkiller',  'Adonai'  and 'U go kill me'. He also performed 'Pon di ting' with the host Banky W.


Kranium

Kranium

I had no idea who he was but when he performed 'Can't believe' and 'Nobody has to know' I was stunned. I had no idea he sang those songs I've listened several times on the radio. Majority of the crowd loved him (especially the ladies). I just danced and enjoyed the moment.

Flavour

Flavour

Extremely talented artiste. No explanation for that description. Just roll with me here because I'm running out of words. He brought his live band (as usual) and took the whole crowd to the promise land with hits like 'Nwa baby', 'Baby Na Yoka', 'Ada Ada', 'Sexy Rosey' and 'Most High'. The crowd went wild.


Wande Coal

Wande Coal

He carried the crowd down memory lane to the present with hits like 'You bad', 'Bumper to Bumper', 'Rotate', 'Iskaba', 'Tur-key Nla' and 'So mi so'. They crowd went loco with just his presence on the stage. He showed why he's known as the 'black diamond'. 

Wizkid 

The final act and obviously the star of the show. He did what he was supposed to do which was to give a show stopping performance. By choice, I'm not into his songs but when he performed 'Jaiye Jaiye', 'Daddy Yo' (very briefly...which got me pissed off), 'Ojuelegba' (btw I prefer the remix with Sarkodie) and 'Soco', I was grooving all through. Skaku shaku moves on deck!

All in all, the entire show seemed to be a success. I had mad fun and felt (kinda) fulfilled...and knackered! I will give the whole event a 90% just because nothing is ever perfect in life, right?